PEOPLE IN SOUTH FLORIDA ARE HURRICANE-PROOFING THEIR HOMES AND AREA ROOFERS SAY THERE’S EVIDENCE OF A STEADY WORKLOAD AND SUPPLY SHORTAGE THAT COULD IMPACT THOSE WHO HAVEN’T BEEN PROACTIVE. — People in South Florida are hurricane-proofing their homes and area roofers say there’s evidence of a steady workload and supply shortage that could impact those who haven’t been proactive.
“It’s always better to be prepared,” said Jayesh Patel, a Palm Beach Gardens homeowner who began installing a new roof on his property during the first week of June.
Patel’s not alone. His neighbors have area roofers putting in overtime to make sure homeowners have a proper roof over their head this hurricane season.
”I get in early and get home late,” said Kevin Henker, a sales rep for Legacy Contracting Solutions.
”It’s getting busier,” added Mario Merida, a contractor with Leo Roofing, who was installing a new roof just a few blocks away.
Some experts we spoke with say the best roof to hurricane-proof your home is concrete tile or metal - but supplies can be harder to come by, putting some projects on hold.
“There’s a backlog on concrete tile and that is a result of Hurricane Irma’s increase demand on the west coast and a major acquisition that took place between two large manufacturers in the tile roofing industry,” said Bill Moore, owner of Legacy Contracting Solutions.
Moore says that means depending on the style of tile you want – the wait could be at least 20-weeks. He also says the construction industry is responsible for the backlog.
”Developers are making new developments and that is pulling a lot of material and resources and labor towards the new construction market as well,” he said. “Where we all have to share in the overall availability.”
But he joins other roofers who say people living in homeowners associations that require concrete tile will feel it worse.
”Metal is not an option for these folks,” Moore added.
Experts suggest property owners should do their research and vet a contractor to make sure they are licensed. For more information, click here.